engine NISSAN PATHFINDER HYBRID 2015 Manual PDF
Page 379 of 524
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Move the shift lever to P (Park) or N (Neu-
tral) . P (Park) is recommended.
The NISSAN PUREDRIVE™ Hybrid Sys-
tem is designed not to operate if the
shift lever is in any of the driving posi-
tions.
3. Depress the brake pedal and push the igni-
tion switch to start the hybrid system. The
READY to drive indicator will illuminate on
the meter.
When starting the hybrid system at
very low outside temperatures, the
READY to drive indicator light will flash
and it may take longer for the READY
to drive indicator light to illuminate.
When the READY to drive indicator
light is flashing, it cannot be shifted
out of P (Park) .
NOTE:
Do not start the vehicle in the N (Neutral)
position (in cold conditions only) .
●The hybrid system may not start even with
the READY to drive indicator light illumi-
nated. Once the READY to drive indicator
light is illuminated you may begin driving the
vehicle.NOTE:
Care should be taken to avoid situations
that can lead to potential 12-volt battery
discharge and potential no-start conditions
such as:
1.Installation or extended use of elec-
tronic accessories that consume 12-
volt battery power when the engine is
not running (Phone chargers, GPS,
DVD players, etc.)
2.Vehicle is not driven regularly and/or
only driven short distances.
In these cases, the 12-volt battery may
need to be charged to maintain 12-volt bat-
tery health.
REMOTE START (if so equipped)
Vehicles started with the remote start require the
ignition switch to be placed in the ON position
before the shift lever can be moved from the P
(Park) position. To place the ignition switch to the
ON position, follow these steps:
1. Make sure that the Intelligent Key is on you.
2. Apply the brake.
3. Press the ignition switch once to the ON
position.For additional information, refer to “NISSAN In-
telligent Key®” in the “Pre-driving checks and
adjustments” section of this manual.
STARTING THE NISSAN PUREDRIVE™
HYBRID SYSTEM
5-14Starting and driving
Page 380 of 524
CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE
TRANSMISSION (CVT)
The Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) in
your vehicle is electronically controlled to pro-
duce maximum power and smooth operation.
The recommended operating procedures for this
transmission are shown on the following pages.
Follow these procedures for maximum vehicle
performance and driving enjoyment.
Engine power may be automatically re-
duced to protect the CVT if the engine
speed increases quickly when driving on
slippery roads or while being tested on
some dynamometers.
Starting the vehicle
1. After starting the engine, fully depress the
foot brake pedal before moving the shift
lever out of the P (Park) position.
This CVT is designed so that the foot
brake pedal must be depressed before
shifting from P (Park) to any driving
position while the ignition switch is in
the ON position.
The shift lever cannot be moved out of
the P (Park) position and into any of
the other positions if the ignitionswitch is placed in the LOCK, OFF or
ACC position while the Ready Light il-
luminates.
2. Keep the foot brake pedal depressed and
move the shift lever to a driving position.
3. Release the parking brake and foot brake
pedal, and then gradually start the vehicle in
motion.
WARNING
●Do not depress the accelerator pedal
while shifting from P (Park) or N (Neu-
tral) to R (Reverse) or D (Drive) position.
Always depress the brake pedal until
shifting is completed. Failure to do so
could cause you to lose control and
have an accident.
●Cold engine idle speed is high, so use
caution when shifting into a forward or
reverse gear before the engine has
warmed up.
●Never shift to P (Park) or R (Reverse)
while vehicle is moving. Failure to do so
could cause you to lose control and
have an accident.
CAUTION
●When stopping the vehicle on an uphill
grade, do not hold the vehicle by de-
pressing the accelerator pedal. The foot
brake should be used for this purpose.
●Do not downshift abruptly on slippery
roads. This may cause a loss of control.
●Except in an emergency, do not shift to
the N (Neutral) position while driving.
Coasting with the transmission in the N
(Neutral) position may cause serious
damage to the transmission.
DRIVING THE VEHICLE
Starting and driving5-15
Page 381 of 524
Shifting
Press the buttonAwhile depressing the
brake pedal
Press the buttonAto shift
Shift without pressingAbutton
After starting the engine, fully depress the brake
pedal, push and press the shift lever button and
move the shift lever from the P (Park) position to
any of the desired shift positions.
WARNING
Apply the parking brake if the shift lever is
in any position while the engine is not
running. Failure to do so could cause the
vehicle to move unexpectedly or roll away
and result in serious personal injury or
property damage.
CAUTION
Use the P (Park) or R (Reverse) position
only when the vehicle is completely
stopped.
P (Park):
CAUTION
To prevent transmission damage, use the
P (Park) or R (Reverse) position only when
the vehicle is completely stopped.
Use the P (Park) shift lever position when the
vehicle is parked or when starting the engine.
Make sure the vehicle is completely stopped.
The brake pedal must be depressed and
the shift lever button pushed in to move the
shift lever from N (Neutral) or any drive
position to P (Park) .Apply the parking brake.
When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake
first, then move the shift lever into the P (Park)
position.R (Reverse):
CAUTION
To prevent transmission damage, use the
P (Park) or R (Reverse) position only when
the vehicle is completely stopped.
Use the R (Reverse) position to back up. Make
sure the vehicle is completely stopped before
selecting the R (Reverse) position.The brake
pedal must be depressed and the shift lever
button pushed in to move the shift lever
from P (Park) , N (Neutral) or any drive po-
sition to R (Reverse) .
N (Neutral):
Neither forward nor reverse gear is engaged. The
engine can be started in this position. You may
shift to N (Neutral) and restart a stalled engine
while the vehicle is moving.
D (Drive):
Use this position for all normal forward driving.
L (Low):
Use this position for engine braking on steep
downhill gradients/climbing steep slopes and
whenever approaching sharp bends. Do not use
the L (Low) position in any other circumstances.
LSD2127
5-16Starting and driving
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Shift lock release
If the battery charge is low or discharged, the
shift lever may not be moved from the P (Park)
position even with the brake pedal depressed
and the shift lever button pushed. To move the
shift lever, perform the following procedure:
1. Place the ignition switch in the OFF or
LOCK position.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Remove the shift lock release cover
Aus-
ing a suitable tool.
4. Push down the shift lock release
Busing a
suitable tool.5. Press the shift lever button
Cand move the
shift lever to the N (Neutral) position
D
while holding down the shift lock release.
The vehicle may be moved to the desired
location. Replace the removed shift lock re-
lease cover after the operation. If the shift
lever cannot be moved out of the P (Park)
position, have a NISSAN dealer check the
CVT system as soon as possible.
WARNING
If the shift lever cannot be moved from the
P (Park) position while the engine is run-
ning and the brake pedal is depressed, the
stop lights may not work. Malfunctioning
stop lights could cause an accident injur-
ing yourself and others.
Accelerator downshift
— in D position —
For passing or hill climbing, depress the accel-
erator pedal to the floor. This shifts the transmis-
sion down into a lower gear, depending on the
vehicle speed.
High fluid temperature protection
mode
This transmission has a high fluid temperature
protection mode. If the fluid temperature be-comes too high (for example, when climbing
steep grades in high temperatures with heavy
loads, such as when towing a trailer) , engine
power and, under some conditions, vehicle
speed will be decreased automatically to reduce
the chance of transmission damage. Vehicle
speed can be controlled with the accelerator
pedal, but the engine and vehicle speed may be
limited.
Fail-safe
If the vehicle is driven under extreme con-
ditions, such as excessive wheel spinning
and subsequent hard braking, the fail-safe
system may be activated. The MIL may
come on to indicate the fail-safe mode is
activated. For additional information, refer
to “Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)” in the
“Instrument and controls” section of this
manual. This will occur even if all electrical
circuits are functioning properly. In this
case, place the ignition switch in the OFF
position and wait for 10 seconds. Then
push the switch back to the ON position.
The vehicle should return to its normal op-
erating condition. If it does not return to its
normal operating condition, have a
NISSAN dealer check the transmission and
repair if necessary.
LSD2128
Starting and driving5-17
Page 385 of 524
BSW SYSTEM OPERATION
If the radar sensors detect a vehicle in the detec-
tion zone, the Blind Spot Warning (BSW) indica-
tor light located by the outside mirrors illumi-
nates. If the turn signal is then activated, the
system chimes (twice) and the BSW indicator
light flashes. The BSW indicator light continues
to flash until the detected vehicles leave the
detection zone.
The BSW indicator light illuminates for a few
seconds when the ignition switch is placed in the
ON position.The brightness of the BSW indicator light is
adjusted automatically depending on the bright-
ness of the ambient light.
A chime sounds if the radar sensors have already
detected vehicles when the driver activates the
turn signal. If a vehicle comes into the detection
zone after the driver activates the turn signal, then
only the BSW indicator light flashes and no
chime sounds. For additional information, refer to
“BSW driving situations” in this section.
The BSW system automatically turns on every
time the engine is started, as long as it is acti-
vated using the settings menu on the vehicle
information display.
When the BSW and RCTA switch is turned off,
the indicator
1on the switch is off. The indicator
will also be off if the BSW/RCTA is deactivated.
How to enable/disable the BSW
system
Perform the following steps to enable or disable
the BSW system.
1. Press the
button until “Settings” dis-
plays in the vehicle information display. Use
the
button to select “Driver Assis-
tance”. Then press the ENTER button.
2. Select “Driver Aids”, and press the ENTER
button.
BSW indicator light
LSD2053LSD2208
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3. To set the BSW/RCTA system to on or off,
use the
buttons to navigate in the
menu and use the ENTER button to select or
change an item:
●Select “Blind Spot” and press the ENTER
button.
– To turn on the warning, use the ENTER
button to check box for “BSW/RCTA sys-
tem”
Temporarily not available
When radar blockage is detected, the system will
be deactivated automatically. The “Side Radar
Obstruction” warning message will appear and
the Blind spot indicator (in the meter display) will
blink
Ain the vehicle information display. The
Blind Spot Warning and Rear Cross Traffic Alert
switch indicator will also blink.
The systems are not available until the conditions
no longer exist.The radar sensors may be blocked by temporary
ambient conditions such as splashing water, mist
or fog. The blocked condition may also be caused
by objects such as ice, frost or dirt obstructing
the radar sensors.
Action to take:
When the above conditions no longer exist, the
system will resume automatically.
Malfunction
When the system malfunctions, it will turn off
automatically. The system malfunction warning
message with the Blind spot indicator (orange)
will appear in the vehicle information display. If
the BSW system fails, the RCTA system will also
fail.
Action to take:
Stop the vehicle in a safe location, place the
vehicle in the P (Park) position, turn the engine off
and restart the engine. If the message continues
to appear, have the system checked by a
NISSAN dealer.
LSD2247
Starting and driving5-21
Page 394 of 524
●The sonar system chime indicating there is a
object behind the vehicle has a higher prior-
ity than the RCTA chime (single beep) indi-
cating an approaching vehicle. If the RCTA
system detects an object behind the vehicle
and an approaching vehicle at the same time
the following indications are provided:
– The sonar system chime sounds
– The Blind Spot Warning indicator light on
the side of the approaching vehicle
flashesRCTA SYSTEM OPERATION
The BSW/RCTA system can be turned off tem-
porarily by pushing the Blind Spot Warning and
Rear Cross Traffic Alert switch
1. The
BSW/RCTA system automatically turns on every
time the engine is started.
The RCTA system can be turned off permanently
by setting in the vehicle information display.
1. Press the
button until “Settings” dis-
plays in the vehicle information display. Use
the
button to select “Driver Assis-
tance”. Then press the ENTER button.2. Select “Driver Aids”, and press the ENTER
button.
3. To set the BSW/RCTA system to on or off,
use the buttons to navigate in the menu and
use the ENTER button to select or change
an item.
●Select “Blind Spot” and press the ENTER
button.
– To turn on the warning, use the ENTER
button to check box for “BSW/RCTA”
RCTA temporarily not available
When radar blockage is detected, the system will
be deactivated automatically. The “Side Radar
Obstruction” warning message will appear and
the Blind Spot indicator (white) will blink in the
vehicle information display. The Blind Spot Warn-
ing and Rear Cross Traffic Alert switch indicators
will also blink.
The systems are not available until the conditions
no longer exist.
The radar sensors may be blocked by temporary
ambient conditions such as splashing water, mist
or fog. The blocked condition may also be caused
by objects such as ice, frost or dirt obstructing
the radar sensors.Illustration 2
LSD2044LSD2208
Starting and driving5-29
Page 395 of 524
Action to take:
When the above conditions no longer exist, the
system will resume automatically.
RCTA malfunction
If the RCTA system malfunctions, the system will
turn off automatically. The system malfunction
warning message with the Blind spot indicator
(orange) will appear in the vehicle information
display. If the BSW system fails, the RCTA sys-
tem will also fail.
Action to take:
Stop the vehicle in a safe location, turn the engine
off and restart the engine. If the message contin-
ues to appear, have the system checked by a
NISSAN dealer.
RADAR MAINTENANCE
The two radar sensors1for the BSW and
RCTA systems are located near the rear bumper.
Always keep the area near the radar sensors
clean.
The radar sensors may be blocked by temporary
ambient conditions such as splashing water, mist
or fog.
The blocked condition may also be caused by
objects such as ice, frost or dirt obstructing the
radar sensors.Check for and remove objects obstructing the
area around the radar sensors.
Do not attach stickers (including transparent ma-
terial) , install accessories or apply additional
paint near the radar sensors.
Do not strike or damage the area around the
radar sensors. Consult a NISSAN dealer if the
area around the radar sensors is damaged due to
a collision.
Radio frequency statement
This device complies with part 15 of the
FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
1.This device may not cause harmful in-
terference, and
2.This device must accept any interfer-
ence received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
FCC Warning
Changes or modifications not expressly ap-
proved by the party responsible for compli-
ance could void the user’s authority to op-
erate the equipment.
LSD2217
5-30Starting and driving
Page 398 of 524
●Push and release the COAST/SET switch.
Each time you do this, the set speed de-
creases by about 1 MPH (1.6 km/h).
To resume the preset speed,push and re-
lease the ACCEL/RES switch. The vehicle re-
turns to the last set cruising speed when the
vehicle speed is over 25 MPH (40 km/h).CAUTION
During the first 1,200 miles (2,000 km),
follow these recommendations to obtain
maximum engine performance and ensure
the future reliability and economy of your
new vehicle. Failure to follow these rec-
ommendations may result in shortened
engine life and reduced engine
performance.
●Avoid driving for long periods at constant
speed, either fast or slow, and do not run the
engine over 4,000 RPM.
●Do not accelerate at full throttle in any gear.
●Avoid quick starts.
●Avoid hard braking as much as possible.
●Do not tow a trailer for the first 500 mi
(805 km) . Your engine, axle or other parts
could be damaged.Follow these easy-to-use Fuel-Efficient Driving
Tips to help you achieve the most fuel economy
from your vehicle.
1.Use Smooth Accelerator and Brake
Pedal Application
●Avoid rapid starts and stops
●Use smooth, gentle accelerator and
brake application whenever possible
●Maintain constant speed while commut-
ing and coast whenever possible
●Apply light pressure to the accelerator
pedal when driving on flat roads or down
hills
●Avoid pumping the breaks when slowing
the vehicle when possible
2.Maintain Constant Speed
●Look ahead to try and anticipate and mini-
mize stops
●Synchronizing your speed with traffic
lights allows you to reduce your number
of stops
●Maintaining a steady speed can minimize
red light stops and improve fuel efficiency
BREAK-IN SCHEDULE FUEL-EFFICIENT DRIVING TIPS
Starting and driving5-33
Page 399 of 524
3.Use Air Conditioning (A/C) at Higher
Vehicle Speeds
●Below 40 MPH (64 km/h), it is more
efficient to open windows to cool the
vehicle due to reduced engine load
●Above 40 MPH (64 km/h), it is more
efficient to use A/C to cool the vehicle
due to increased aerodynamic drag
●Recirculating the cool air in the cabin
when the A/C is on reduces cooling load
●Turn off air conditioning when it is not
necessary
4.Drive at Economical Speeds and Dis-
tances
●Observing the speed limit and not ex-
ceeding 60 MPH (97 km/h) (where le-
gally allowed) can improve fuel efficiency
due to reduced aerodynamic drag
●Maintaining a safe following distance be-
hind other vehicles reduces unnecessary
braking
●Safely monitoring traffic to anticipate
changes in speed permits reduced brak-
ing and smooth acceleration changes
●Select a gear range suitable to road con-
ditions●Frequent short-distance driving can re-
duce fuel economy
5.Use Cruise Control
●Using cruise control during highway driv-
ing helps maintain a steady speed
●Cruise control is particularly effective in
providing fuel savings when driving on flat
terrains
6.Plan for the Shortest Route
●Utilize a map or navigation system to de-
termine the best route to save time
7.Avoid Idling
●Shutting off your engine when safe for
stops exceeding 30–60 seconds saves
fuel and reduces emissions
8.Buy an Automated Pass for Toll Roads
●Automated passes permit drivers to use
special lanes to maintain cruising speed
through the toll and avoid stopping and
starting
9.Winter Warm Up
●Limit idling time to minimize impact to fuel
economy
●Vehicles typically need no more than
30 seconds of idling at start-up to effec-tively circulate the engine oil before driv-
ing
●Your vehicle will reach its ideal operating
temperature more quickly while driving
versus idling
●Park your vehicle in moderate ambient
temperatures when possible
10.Keeping your Vehicle Cool
●Park your vehicle in a covered parking
area or in the shade whenever possible
●When entering a hot vehicle, opening the
windows will help to reduce the inside
temperature faster, resulting in reduced
demand on your A/C system
11.Cargo
●Avoid transporting unnecessary luggage
in the vehicle
●Avoid carrying luggage in the roof rack
which can increase aerodynamic drag
12.Break-in
●your vehicle may need a break-in period
for more than 4000 miles to improve the
fuel economy
●Avoid measuring fuel economy within ini-
tial 1200 miles
5-34Starting and driving